Rice notes: McDonald expected back, Hill passes test

• The Owls expect wide receiver Vance McDonald to return this week after he missed last week’s Tulsa game with a toe injury. Running back Charles Ross (shoulder) has been limited in practice this week but is expected to play Saturday against Southern Miss.

• The Owls had success out of the Wild Owl package with true freshman running back Luke Turner. Turner had a career-high 102 yards, all in the second half, and converted a pair of fourth downs.

“We pretty much had no answer for that,” Tulsa coach Bill Blankenship said.

• Although they had no sacks against Tulsa backup quarterback Kalen Henderson, coach David Bailiff said the Owls were able to get a consistent four-man pressure.

“We didn’t have sacks but we had 10 quarterback hurries,” he said. “(Defensive end) Cody Bauer was hitting the quarterback at release.”

• Coach David Bailiff said sophomore Malcolm Hill played well in his first start at cornerback in place of Bryce Callahan, who is out for the season with a fractured right arm.

“(Tulsa) tried to pick on Malcolm and overall he really battled,” Bailiff said.